University of Utah Hospital and Clinics medical residents studying with the renowned University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City are fortunate to learn at one of the nation's top research and teaching hospitals.
In its 2023 rankings, U.S. News ranked the University of Utah School of Medicine at number 35 for Best Medical Schools: Research and number 25 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care.
Students here are among the nation's most promising physicians. Overall, out of 4,515 hospitals across the country, the University of Utah School of Medicine ranks among the top 51, and is “nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and rated high performing in 2 adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions.” A national ranking distinguishes a hospital that excels in caring for the most medically complex patients.
The University's medical residents themselves – whether specializing in internal medicine, emergency medicine, or one or more of scores of other subspecialties – make up some of the brightest minds in the future of medicine. Immersed in an institution known for its world-class achievements, residents here receive an incredibly solid foundation on which to build their growing body of medical knowledge.
Residency Specialties and Clinic Locations
University of Utah School of Medicine residents have the opportunity to gain experience at a variety of locations within the program, including public, private, and government clinics. These include:
- University of Utah Hospital
- Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Intermountain Medical Center (including Primary Children's Hospital)
- Fourth Street Clinic
A wide breadth of clinical rotations available to residents helps shape them into becoming well-rounded physicians. Opportunities include:
- ambulatory care (e.g., geriatrics, musculoskeletal, and continuity of care)
- non-internal medicine subspecialties (e.g., addiction medicine, community health, sports medicine, allergy and immunology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and psychiatry)
- inpatient general medicine and subspecialties (e.g., intensive care, oncology, hematology, and heart failure)
- emergency medicine
- pediatric care
Medical Resident Policies at Utah Hospitals and Clinics
Along with this remarkably reputable institution come high expectations for students in its programs. Medical residents, as members of the University of Utah Health's Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, must adhere to policies, ethical standards, and codes of conduct. These are outlined in the 22-23 health trainee agreement.
The following are just a few examples of standards GME program residents agree to as part of their training:
- respecting confidentiality
- managing conflicts of interest
- safeguarding university records
- ethical research activities
- protecting university assets
- responsible use of computer, network, and telephone resources
More specifically, medical residents are bound by policies covering topics such as:
- attendance and participation
- leave and sick options
- demonstrated responsiveness to patient needs
- professional liability and moonlighting
- professional attire, substance abuse, and social media
- proper documentation and communication around patient care
- demonstrate appropriate technical standards for completing residency
- discrimination, coercion, sexual misconduct, and other forms of harassment and abuse
- academic dispute resolution and reporting
Risks of Violating Utah Hospitals and Clinics Resident Policies
Residents who violate performance, professionalism, or other significant policies may face academic actions, usually progressive, leading up to suspension and termination of their medical residency. These may include:
- informal remediation
- formal remediation
- probation (final warning)
- non-renewal of contract
- dismissal
These punitive measures could have extremely dire consequences on a resident's future in the medical profession. The risk of losing everything a resident physician has worked toward for years or decades is daunting.
Residents who are facing potential ramifications of alleged policy violations should understand the gravity of the situation and ensure they take every measure possible to not lose the investment in time, money, and energy they have put into their education and training up to this point.
Protective Procedures for Utah Hospitals and Clinics Residents
Fortunately, there are procedures for protecting medical residents against arbitrary or unwarranted academic actions. If you are a resident facing punitive measures you feel are unfair, the dispute resolution policy allows you to attempt a resolution.
Typically, the first step is to attempt an informal resolution by discussing the matter with the appropriate party. Timeliness here is key, and this is initiated by a written appeal to the program director, department chair, or division chief.
If this is unsuccessful, you can appeal to receive due process, with a committee considering the appeal in a hearing. This is your chance to defend and defeat charges. The appeal committee then makes a recommendation in order for the senior vice president for health sciences to make a final decision.
Utah Hospitals and Clinics Winning Representation
If you are facing academic action and considering initiating an appeal, it is worth considering doing so under the advisement of an experienced attorney-advisor.
Contact premier medical resident Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Medical Resident Defense Team for your best chance at winning your appeal and continuing your medical training. The stakes are high. You don't have to navigate this alone. You don't have to lose all you have worked toward.
It is important that your professional reputation accurately reflects the hard work and discipline that has earned you a spot at one of the nation's top teaching hospitals. If your future is at stake, it is prudent to have someone with special knowledge, skills, and experience in advising and defending medical residents by your side.
Contact Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Medical Resident Defense Team today by calling 888.535.3686 or going online.
